UConn Student Accused of Threatening Slaying Witnesses
Christopher Mutchler is accused of posting threats on Web sites in memory of Jasper Howard.
An 18-year-old UConn freshman from Wethersfield has been accused of posting threatening messages on a Facebook memorial page in honor of slain UConn football star Jasper Howard. He is also accused of posting a similar message on an ESPN U page in Howard’s memory.
Cops arrested Christopher Mutchler on Thursday.
Police learned on Oct. 20 of two separate Internet postings that seemed to be directed at witnesses who provided police with information to help the investigation or those who might report something to police, police said. Cops though the posts were instilling fear and keeping people from coming forward.
More than 8,000 people viewed the Facebook page alone, police said.
Police said Mutchler had no link or relation to the other people arrested in the case and don’t know what his motive for posting the comments could have been. They also said the threats seem to have been empty.
Howard was stabbed outside the UConn student union on Oct. 18 after a fire alarm was pulled, evacuating a dance. Four people have been arrested in connection with the case, including John Lomax, who was charged with Howard’s murder.
Mutchler was charged with hindering prosecution, threatening and an act of terrorism, among other charges. He was released on a $15,000 bond and is due in court on Nov. 11.
School officials will review its code of conduct to determine actions UConn might take.
Posted Thursday, Oct 29, 2009 - 3:52 PM EST
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